Fifth-wheel for vehicles



(No Model.)

R. CARR. FIFTH WHEEL PoR v N0. 518,688.

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EEIGLES.

Patented Apr. 24, 1894.

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l UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT CARR, OF NEWBURG, NEW YORK.

FIFTH-WHEEL FOR VEHICLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part `of Letters Patent No. 518,688, dated April 24, 1894.

Application filed July 20, 1893. Serial No. 481,006. (No model.)

.To all whom if; may concern:

Beit known that I, ROBERT CARR, of Newburg, county of Orange, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fifth-Wheels for Vehicles, of

` which the following is a full, clear, and exact working and which permits the axle to turn or travel a half circle or more while the fifth wheel projects only aslight distance in front of the bolster. t0 secure other advantages in the matters of construction, operation and use my invention involves certain new and useful arrangements or combinations of parts and peculiarities of construction as will be herein first fully described and then pointed out in the claim.

In the drawings Figure l is a plan view showing my improved device in position for use. Fig.`2 is a sectional elevation on'aplane through the axle showing the curve plate mounted in place. Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of the Whole device on a plane through the reach. Fig. 4 is aplan View of the under side of the reach plate detached, and Fig. 5 a

similar view of the curve plate.

In all the figures, like letters of reference, Wherever they occur, indicate corresponding parts.

Ais the curved or principal plate of my improved fth wheel, of which ct is the central bar, b b branches or braces extending from `the rear end of said bar to the extremities of the curve, and c the piece Vwhich is to be ap plied on the axle stock leaving an opening d for purposes to be hereinafter explained. The arc or curve A with the braces and bars referred to are made in one piece so as to be solid and secure, and this piece is rigidly fixed upon the axle stock B. and moves therewith.

To accomplish all of this and `desired size may be used.

C C are clamps in the form of clevises reaching over piece c, through the opening between it and the curve, down inside and outside the axle stock B. and axle D, and are clamped on the under side by nuts as e. The piece c is recessed to receive the clamps, as indicated, so that they will not project above the curve, leaving the entire upper surface thereof plain and smooth. The openingd not only admits of the application of clevis clamps O, but it serves to lighten the circle Without detracting from its necessary strength.

E. E. are braces for the curve, the same being applied, by rivetingor otherwise, at their junction with the branches b, and by fitting over the clamps C under the axle where they y are locked by the nuts e.

The reach-plate is made somewhat in the form of a cross, the bar F being applied beneath the reach G and secured thereto as by a bolt f having its head countersunk, and the arms l-l H being secured to the under side of the bolster or spring bar I by similar bolts, as g. The bar F is extended forward to form ahook It which reaches under the curve, and when in place, prevents the reach plate from leaving the curve. A circular curve of any Its center is located (when the parts are applied as explained) well back of the end of the reach or the normal position of the axle, permitting the axle to make a shorter or quicker turn thanwould otherwise be required, as will be readily understood. The central bar a. is provided with a socket piece t', and the reachplate with a corresponding or fitting hollow piece lc, which enters the socket piece vl and thus maintains the two plates always in working position when they are suitably locked together. The piecest' and It are easily forged or jumped upon the plates and they afford an enlarged bearing suiiicient to obviate undue wear and to avoid the rattling or jarring liable to occur in case a simple bolt is provided as the axis around which the turning is to take place.

To secure the two plates, a simple bolt as Z passes down through the reach and through the hollow projection 7c, and is provided with a nut on the under side. This bolt can be easily removed when desired and the plates IOO then separated for any inspection or repairs which may be necessary. Noneof the rWear in turning cornes upon the bolt Z..

The device constructed substantially in accordance with the foregoing explanations is found to admirably answer all the purposes or objects of the invention previously set forth. l n

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, s

The herein described fifth Wheel for vehicles, the same comprising the curve plate recessed as explained and secured upon the axle body by the clevis clamps ylocated in the recesses and reaching over the curve plate, said plate being provided with braces extending from the' axle and with a socket,y and the reach plate secured upon the reach and upon the spring bar and provided with a hollow zo ROBERT CARR.

i Witnesses:

JESSE F. ySHAFLR, WILLIAM MULLENNEAUX. 

